International University of Management Student’s Employment Programme (SEP)

IUM has introduced a “Student Employment Programme” (IUM-SEP) an initiative intended for implementation across its campuses as a hands-on learning programme that will engage students in a working environment. Under this scheme, students work as part of the staff establishment while studying and earning an honorarium.

The purpose of the IUM-SEP programme is a different concept from the IUM internship Programme as it gives students a broader practical guided learning experience through practice over a number of academic semesters that will serve as a vehicle of preparing them to become competent, effective and skilled professionals for the highly demanding work industry awaiting them

“Exploring is an important part of a university experience and Student Employment Programme is thus a great way for students to acquaint themselves practically with the field of their study. Similarly it is born out the Namibian job market realities that graduates who already have some years of work experience stand out to potential employers and can also easily start their own businesses”. Gerry Munyama, IUM –Director of Marketing and Communication and Stakeholders explained.

This type of experiential learning experience is tailored to enable students secure employment as well as to equip them with the necessary practical skills and experience to start their own businesses after completion of their studies.

“The employed students”, he further explained, “will have the opportunity to practically apply acquired knowledge to real work situations, witnessing first-hand the day-to-day job duties they would expect to encounter in their future working environment and which is invaluable practical skills that cannot be obtained in lecture-room settings…”

Munyama further stated that: “Students placed on this programme can learn a lot about their strengths and weaknesses which allow for feedback from supervisors and others who are established in the field. Upon completion of the programme, students are provided with a testimonial letter specifying that the student employee has completed the student SEP and also indicating the type of skills and experiences the student was exposed to. In addition to the testimonial the office of the HR through the office of the Vice Chancellor will award the student employee with a service certificate.”

The new initiative by the University is in addition to the already existing programme of innovation and entrepreneurship which is a compulsory course for all students to build a capacity with the ultimate aim to train professionals of the future who will go out into the world and create wealth and jobs for themselves and for others.